March in Review

An Army Air Corps Military Policeman, the forerunner to our modern Security Forces, registers a vehicle at the new Main Gate at March Field, which still stands at the entrance to Green Acres where Meyer and Riverside Drives intersect. The Military Policeman is wearing his service dress uniform, which includes breeches and puttees. The Army Air Corps led the way in the change to straight trousers, which were universally adopted by the Army in 1937, with the exception of mounted troops. This photo was probably taken around 1934 or 1935, and features prominently the new palm trees planted around the base. Then Lieutenant Colonel Henry “Hap” Arnold, who assumed command of March Field in 1931, was not provided funding for landscaping for the new base, but was a master of public affairs. Colonel Arnold convinced a local farmer to donate trees, which he then placed at key points around the base. The palm trees that line Graeber Street in front of the Wing headquarters building date to the same period, and are now as tall as the flag pole that once dwarfed them. (Photo courtesy of March Field)

MARCH IN REVIEW: March's historic palms

Published Oct. 18, 2009
By Master Sgt. John Hale
452 AMW Historian

MARCH AIR RESERVE BASE, CALIF. -- An Army Air Corps Military Policeman, the forerunner to our modern Security Forces, registers a vehicle at the new Main Gate at March Field, which still stands at the entrance to Green Acres where Meyer and Riverside Drives intersect.